Legal researchers often examine the legal system through books that tell the story of important cases. In this course students will work in teams to write papers on lawsuits, legal controversies and law-related subjects related to such a book. To support their research, students will be introduced to fundamental aspects of the American legal system, legal research, and legal writing. For the Spring 2026 edition of the course, we will be researching and writing the stories of lawsuits brought against the Trump administration in such areas as immigration, LGBTQ rights, health care, religion and trade policy.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 16

Prerequisites: POL1 200, POL1 215, POL1 247 or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Other Categories: CSPW - Calderwood Seminar in Public Writing

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring